Languedoc Roussillon by Rail

Travel Passports Please ensure your 10 year British Passport is not out of date and is valid for a full three months beyond the duration of your visit. EU, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino or Switzerland valid national identification cards are also acceptable for travel to France.

Visas

British and EU passport holders are not required to have a visa. For all other passport holders please check the visa requirements with the appropriate embassy. French consulate: PO Box 57, 6A Cromwell Place, London SW7 2EW; Tel (020) 7838 2000/1. Information Service: Tel (0891) 887 733, Fax: (020) 7838 2046. Opening hours: 0900-1130 (and 1600-1630 for visa collection only) Mon-Fri (except British and French national holidays).

Tickets You will be issued with a return train ticket. Please take care not to lose your tickets and please check that the details on your tickets are accurate. Your ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable. No refund can be given for non-used portions. Standard Premier on Eurostar tickets is indicated by two asterisks in the class type section in the top right hand corner. A light meal will be served to passengers travelling Standard Premier on Eurostar. Standard class Eurostar tickets do not include any food or drink on board, although there is a buffet car serving drinks and snacks. TGV tickets do not include any food or drink on board, although a buffet car is available.

Train Seats On all legs of the journey you have reserved seat and carriage numbers which are shown clearly on your ticket.

Baggage As with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras and Lille, but bags do need to be carried on to the platform. Porters are sometimes but not always available at St Pancras. Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. For further information: http://www.thebaggageman.com

Labels Please use the luggage labels provided. It is useful to have your home address located inside your suitcase should the label go astray.

Transfers On arrival, transfer on foot about 200 metres to your hotel, the Oceania Montpellier.

Special Requests If you haven’t already, please notify Travel Editions of any special requests as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements.

Accommodation

Oceania Le Métropole Hotel The traditional 4-star Oceania Le Métropole Hotel is located in the centre of the beautiful city of Montpellier, a 2 minute walk from the main square, the Place de la Comédie. Dating from 1898, this hotel offers a high standard of accommodation and service, it was completely renovated during 2016. Facilities here include comfortable rooms with private bath/shower, hairdryer, TV, telephone, safe, coffee/tea making facilities and wi-fi. A bar, a belle-époque-style restaurant La Closerie, a tranquil enclosed garden and an outdoor swimming pool are also available. For more information visit their website http://www.oceaniahotels.co.uk/h/hotel-oceania-le-metropole-montpellier/presentation

Food Typical dishes include Cassoulet (casserole of haricot beans, mutton, pork or sausages and preserved goose), Confit de Canard (pieces of duck preserved in the bird’s natural fat for extra taste), tapenade (luscious paste made with olives, olive oil, anchovies, capers and garlic). Truffles, asparagus, wild mushrooms and oysters are local products you will see on menus. In Sète enjoy the traditional fish stew, Bourride, made with fresh monkfish and served with a garlic mayonnaise. Crème Catalane (baked custard with a thin and crisp caramel coating) and Clafoutis (flan like dessert made with local grown apricots, cherries and peaches) are traditional Languedoc Roussillon desserts. Almost all restaurants offer two types of meals: a la carte (extensive choice for each course, generally more expensive) and le menu (a set meal at a fixed price). The bill (l’addition) will not be presented until it is asked for, even if clients sit and talk for half an hour after finishing their meal. Usually, a discretionary service charge is added to your bill in restaurants and bars, and no further tipping is required.

Generally speaking, mealtimes in France are strictly observed. Lunch is as a rule served from noon to 1330, dinner usually from 2000-2130, but the larger the city, the later the dining hour.

Drink Wine is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage in France, and the choice will vary according to region. With 400’000 acres under vines in the region, Languedoc Roussillon is responsible for about a third of France’s total wine production. As early as the 1st century AD, in his Natural History, Pliny the Elder mentions wine production in this area, the roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. Languedoc Roussillon mainly produces red wines, such as Corbières, Côtes du Roussillon and Coteaux du Languedoc. The sparkling Crémant de Limoux and the sweet Muscat are well appreciated white wines. In elegant restaurants the wine list will be separate from the main menu, but in less opulent establishments will be printed on the back or along the side of the carte. The waiter will usually be glad to advise an appropriate choice. If in doubt, try the house wine; this will usually be less expensive and will always be the owner’s pride.

Meals included in the price of your holiday are:

Breakfast – daily

Destination Step into the past wandering through the streets of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert, be confronted by wonderful modern architecture at the Millau Viaduct, enjoy characterful seaside towns and experience Cathar history at the breath-taking citadel of Carcassonne. From our base in the delightful southern city of Montpellier visit all the beautiful sites the region of Languedoc Roussillon has to offer. Places of interest included in the tour:

Montpellier

The capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Montpellier is an attractive and lively southern city, and the perfect base for touring this area. The main sights here include the Promenade de Peyrou, a grand 18th century square dominated by the Chateau d’Eau; the old town lined with 17th century mansions including the Hotel des Trésoriers de la Bourse; the 12th century Towers de la Babote and Des Pins, and the Musée Fabre that houses an excellent collection of French paintings. Eating out here is an affordable delight with plenty of restaurants catering to most tastes and budgets. Explore the vibrant quartier Saint Roch for excellent restaurants. For more information about Montpellier: http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/en/

Millau Viaduct & St-Guilhem-le-Desert

Stretching 1.5 miles over the Tarn River valley, the Millau Viaduct has been hailed as one of the engineering wonders of the 21st century and it is certainly a spectacular sight. Standing 1,125 feet tall it is the highest bridge in the world, taller than the Eiffel Tower and more than 100 metres taller than Canary Wharf. The huge bulk of the 242,000 tonne structure, designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster, is belied by its elegant lines, described by its creator as a “sculpture in the landscape.” Remotely situated in the Hérault Valley, the stunningly picturesque village of St- Guilhem-le-Désert grew up around the Abbaye de Gellone founded by William of Aquitaine in the 9th century. It is dominated by the strikingly simple Romanesque

Abbey church, famed for its possession of a fragment of the True Cross. For more information about the Millau Viaduct: http://www.leviaducdemillau.com/en_index.php#/accueil/ For more information about the St-Guilhem-le-Desert: http://www.saintguilhem-valleeherault.fr/en/

Pézenas and Sète The charming and compact town of Pézenas is easily appreciated in a gentle stroll that takes in most of its (well-indicated) sights, such as the Hotel des Barons de Lacoste, the Maison des Pauvres and the Porte Faugères. Host to medieval fairs, seat of the Governors of Languedoc during the 16th and 17th centuries and adopted by Molière and his Illustre Theatre troupe of actors, Pezenas is delightfully rich in history and culture. The fishing port of Sète is very much a working town as well as a tourist seaside resort, and its quayside restaurants selling fish straight off the boat are as likely to be frequented by sailors as visitors. Sights here include the Grand Canal lined with Italianate houses decorated in pastel colours and seafood restaurants and the Marin Cemetery above the town, where poet Paul Valéry is buried. For more information about Pézenas: http://www.pezenas-tourisme.fr/en/ For more information about Sète: http://www.en.ot-sete.fr/

Carcassonne and Narbonne The citadel of Carcassonne is a perfectly restored medieval town. Crowning a steep bank overlooking the River Aude, it offers a fairytale skyline of turrets and ramparts. The walled city, some parts of which date back to the 5th century, was extensively restored in 1853. Highlights of the fortified old town include the Château Comtal and the Basilica of St-Nazaire which houses the famous Siege Stone, the Musée Lapidaire and the Porte Narbonnaise, the gateway to the old city, which is almost like stepping back in time. The charming town of Narbonne is bisected by the 17th century Canal du Midi, with the restored medieval quarter to the north, where most of the sights are to be found. These include the impressive 13th century Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur,

the Archbishops’ Palace and “horreum,” an intriguing underground warren of granaries and grain chutes dating from the 1st century BC when Narbonne was the capital of the largest Roman province in Gaul. For more information about Carcassonne: http://www.tourism-carcassonne.co.uk/ For more information about Narbonne: http://www.narbonne-tourism.co.uk/

Aigues-Mortes & the Camargue The perfectly preserved walled town of Aigues- Mortes (“Place of Dead Waters”) is approached across the salt marshes of the Petit Camargue just to the east of Montpellier. The fortified town was established by Louis XI in the 13th century to consolidate his power on the Mediterranean and was built to a strict grid pattern. Now marooned three miles from the sea, it was from here that Louis XI twice departed for the Crusades. The Camargue region is a protected area of outstanding natural beauty and numbers wild horses and migrant flamingoes amongst the wildlife it accommodates. For more information about Aigues-Mortes: http://www.ot-aiguesmortes.fr/en/ For more information about the Camargue: http://www.visitprovence.com/en/territory/camargue

Reading Suggestions Graham Robb, The Discovery of France. A general introduction to French culture, landscape and history, it also features an excellent insight into the distinctive character of France’s regions. Bernard Levin, From the Camargue to the Alps: A Walk Across France in Hannibal’s footsteps. As the title suggests, English journalist Bernard Levin follows the Carthaginian military commander’s path across France to Italy, describing history, landscape and culture on his way. Tobias Smollett, Travels through France and Italy, 1766. Laurance Sterne, A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy, 1768. Both 18th century authors travelled through France, to Nice, continuing along to Italy. Sterne’s personal and sentimental account can be seen as a response to quarrelsome and deriding Smollett’s. Rupert Wright, Notes from the Languedoc Wright describes Languedoc’s history, culture and renowned inhabitants in a light hearted fashion, making this a easy, enjoyable read. Angela Murrills (author) & Peter Matthews (illustrator), Hot sun, cool shadow: Savouring the food, history and mystery of the Languedoc Award-winning food writer Murrills gives a delightful account of the region’s history, culture, and of course, delicious food and wine.

Tour manager Your tour manager will be on hand throughout the tour to ensure that everything operated according to plan. If you have any problems or questions please see him or her immediately – it is often possible to resolve complaints or problems very quickly on the spot, and do everything to help you enjoy your holiday.

The Basics Climate – The weather in Languedoc Roussillon at this time of year is likely to be pleasant, but there is the chance of the odd shower. Our best advice is to come prepared.

Time – GMT +2 hours (Summer time Apr-Oct); GMT + 1 (Standard time Nov-Mar). Language – French. Religion – Roman Catholic. National holidays – New Year’s day (01 Jan); Easter Monday; Labour day (01 May); Victory in Europe day (08 May); Ascension day; Whit Sunday; Whit Monday; National day (14 Jul); Assumption of Mary (15 Aug); All Saints’ day (01 Nov); Armistice day (11 Nov); Christmas day (25 Dec). Currency – Euro. €1 = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Banks – Cashpoints compatible with international banking networks are located in all towns and cities, as well as airports, major train stations and other spots. They usually offer an attractive exchange rate. Those banks that still exchange foreign currencies into local money will always charge a transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an ATM usually represents the most logical means of obtaining euros. Credit cards – American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the country. If you are eating at a restaurant, check prior to the meal that your card will be an acceptable form of payment. Even in cities, it is

advisable to carry a supply of cash with you at all times. Electricity – 220 volt, two-pin continental plug. Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink. (Although you’ll find a huge amount of bottled water for sale too) Shops and museums – Montpellier has wide variety of shops. Small towns have quaint boutiques and beautiful markets. Department stores are open 0900-1830 Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed between 1200-1430. Some food shops (particularly bakers) are open Sunday mornings, in which case they will probably close Monday. Many shops close all day or half-day Monday. Please note that most museums close on Mondays. Clothes & Shoes –You may like to bring a warm sweater for cool evenings. Light rain wear for the occasional storm and good grip/flat walking shoes are recommended. Camera – bring plenty of memory cards/film and any spare camera batteries as these are not always available. Please check with your guide before photographing people. Bath plugs – The hotel has plugs for basins, but it is useful to carry a ‘universal’ one with you. Telephones/mobiles – You should be able to use your mobile phone in France, depending on your operator and contract. Tipping –To keep our tours affordable, we do not increase the tour price by adding in tips. However, in the tourism industry, there is a certain level of expectation that when receiving a good service, one does award with a tip. Tour Managers, Representatives, Guides and Drivers appreciate a tip at the end of their involvement with the tour, but this is entirely at your discretion. We believe in allowing you to tip according to your level of satisfaction with their services, but for your guidance about £2-3 per person per day for the tour manager is the norm. We would like to reiterate that tipping is an entirely optional payment and this information is given purely to answer any questions you may have about it.

Health

Doctor/Dentist/Chemist Please talk to your tour manager if you are feeling unwell and they will organise for you to see a doctor. Keep receipts for insurance claims.

Hospital Your tour manager/hotel reception will arrange hospital transport. Keep receipts for insurance claims.

General Health Advice We suggest you take a good supply of your own individual medicines with you and always keep some in your hand luggage in case you get delayed or your luggage goes astray. General-purpose supplies for bites, stings, or scratches, and your usual medication for headaches, or stomach upsets are always recommended. Oral re-hydration sachets are excellent for topping up salt and glucose levels. Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for more generally information specific to the country you are visiting – www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Sun Protection Always ensure you take sufficient sun protection and moisturiser. A sun hat and sunglasses are also advisable.

Inoculations You should check with your own doctor and take their advice as to which inoculations are required for the country you are visiting, as only they know your medical history and recommendations are liable to change at short notice.

Insurance To be covered under your Travel Insurance Policy, if you become ill, it is essential that you contact a local doctor and also telephone the emergency number of you insurance company. You will NOT be covered for any claim unless this procedure is carried out. Your insurance company will then decide on the best course of medical attention.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The EHIC replaced the old E111 in 2006. Valid in all EEA countries, the card lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers the treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. It is also important to note that each country’s healthcare system is slightly different, so the EHIC might not cover everything that would be generally free on the NHS. We strongly recommend that you take out an appropriate travel insurance policy when you travel abroad. For more information about the EHIC please visit: https://www.ehic.org.uk

Emergencies Should an emergency arise, please call our offices on: 00 44 20 7251 0045 Outside office hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700), telephone our emergency staff on: 00 44 20 7431 8201 or 00 44 7899 796542 or 00 44 7831 133079 or 00 44 1235 850720 PLEASE USE THESE NUMBERS ONLY IN THE EVENT OF A GENUINE EMERGENCY. If you find that you are in need of consular assistance during your holiday: British Consulate Marseille 24 avenue du Prado 13006 Marseille France +33 (0)4 91 15 72 10 Marseilleconsular.marseille@fco.gov.uk Mon, Wed and Fri: 0900 to 1230. Outside these hours a consular Emergency Service is in operation and can be contacted on +33 (0)4 91 15 72 10

Travel Editions 3 Young’s Buildings, London EC1V 9DB

Tel: 0207 251 0045 Email: info@traveleditions.co.uk www.traveleditions.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. IT IS MEANT AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES.